AISD counts successes
All seniors master TAKS test
BY LELAND ACKER

The positives mentioned Monday by Alto ISD school board members of the success of the Alto High School baseball, softball, tennis and track teams mimic the success of the school's academic performance.

"All seniors, as of this moment, have mastered the TAKS test," said Alto High School Principal Donald Patton. "All students will get a true diploma and not a certificate of completion."

Mr. Patton compared this year's performance to previous years' performances before the school board during Alto ISD's regular board meeting Monday.

"In the spring of 2006, 19 students failed the exit level TAKS test, with 15 failing two or more subjects," he said. "In 2007, eight students failed the TAKS test, with two students failing two or more subjects."

Mr. Patton went on to describe how Alto High School students are being recognized.

"Clayton Scott has been nominated for student of the year through KETK-TV," he said. "This student of the year category includes the entire East Texas area."

In addition to the academic success of Alto High School, the sports teams cruise to victory on the field.

"Both baseball and softball teams have sewn up their district championships," said Superintendent Dr. Ray De- Spain. "There is a good chance we can get Trevor Haggerty to state in tennis and we have the opportunity for a couple of our relay teams to go to state."

The board approved the minutes, accounts payable and set the date for canvassing the school board election and electing officers for May 19. The board also approved the hiring of teachers Bill Luttrell (high school business), Cindy Luttrell (high school mathematics), Dixi Russell (middle school social studies) and Vicky Russell (high school English). All board members were present for the meeting.